Tomorrow's “Hiring Our Heroes” job fair at Camp Pendleton isn't for the one in uniform.

This time, military spouses are the focus of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce event.

They often sacrifice employment opportunities or career momentum to support a husband's or wife's military career, which demands frequent moves and long separations.

Spouses of active duty, guard, reserves and military retirees are invited to meet more than 35 employers expected to participate – including some of America's biggest as well as dozens of small companies with regional jobs available for all experience levels.

Since its launch in March 2011, Hiring Our Heroes has helped more than 100,000 veterans and military spouses find meaningful employment, the chamber announced. More than 18,400 hires came from more than 500 job fairs nationwide like the one at Camp Pendleton.

An additional 90,000 veterans and military spouses have been hired as a part of Hiring 500,000 Heroes, a national campaign by the U.S. Chamber, National Chamber Foundation and Capital One to engage businesses in committing to hire half a million before 2015. So far, more than 900 businesses of all sizes have pledged to hire 221,000 toward this goal.

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So, you have a job offer and the employer offers you employment as either an independent contractor or an employee. You figure that since your wife is in the military, you don't need the insurance and your paycheck will be bigger without all that withholding taken out.

Life as a 1099'er

Ready to take that 1099? Not so fast. You might be in for a big shock at the end of the year. Here is a list of some of the hits you'll take.

• All the income taxes for each taxing entity will be due every quarter after your first year in business. A total of 90 percent must be paid by April 15 of the following year or there will be a penalty.

• You will have to pay the entire Social Security tax. That amounts to 15.3 percent on your first $113,700 and 2.9 percent over that amount. Employees get half that amount paid by their employer automatically. However, as a self-employed individual, you may deduct the half that an employer would have contributed.

• If you drive or run other equipment for the business that pays you, you won't be covered by the employer's insurance policy. Guess who that leaves?

What Makes an Employee

The basic issue in deciding whether a person is an employee or an independent contractor is the business's control over the work of the person. This sounds like a simple matter, but courts constantly are deluged with arguments about this issue.

If you're told when to come to work; if you don't provide your own equipment or supplies; and if you are paid in set increments such as hours or piecework, you are an employee, period. If they train you, you are an employee. The courts have made clear that just because the employer doesn't decide to use control, doesn't mean you are then an independent contractor. The crux of the matter is whether they have the right to do so. Read the IRS publication about the issue of contractors vs employees.

Making the Right Decision

Before you make any decisions, take some time to investigate and consider which category works best for you and your family. If you are leaning toward becoming an independent contractor, make sure you're prepared to save enough to cover your tax expenses and any additional costs like liability insurance.

Consider incorporating as a LLC to protect yourself and give you additional tax protection. It's a good idea to get the help of a paralegal, lawyer and tax specialist.

If you are considering becoming self-employed, be certain to read the IRS Bulletin Understanding Employment Taxes. This is a simple document that explains what the requirements are in everyday language.

You're inside the store, so now what? With more stores providing more beers to choose from the task of beer shopping often leads to a paradox of choice for shoppers.

I believe going beer shopping should be a joyous occasion especially with the growing selection due to the surge of craft breweries in the U.S. Even if you are a naysayer that claims “I don't like beer” there is most likely an offering that will pleasantly surprise you.

However, the increased selection has also led to some confusion for consumers. For example, I often get asked how to select “good” beer by friends and even other shoppers.

About Macho Spouse...

Macho Spouse is an educational video series and online resource for male military spouses.

Our mission is to help male military spouses connect with one another and assure that we are not alone in this military family lifestyle.